Description
This Baked Salmon with Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce is a delicious and elegant main course featuring tender salmon fillets baked to perfection and topped with a rich, tangy sauce made from cream, Parmesan, lemon, and garlic. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or special occasion, this recipe balances healthy omega-3 fatty acids with indulgent flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 teaspoon fresh thyme)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Salmon: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish and place the salmon fillets skin-side down. Drizzle the fillets with olive oil and season evenly with salt and black pepper.
- Bake the Salmon: Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until it flakes easily with a fork. The fillets should be cooked through but still moist and tender.
- Prepare the Creamy Sauce: While the salmon is baking, melt the butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, and thyme. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently until it thickens slightly.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the salmon from the oven and spoon the creamy lemon garlic sauce over each fillet. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Serve with roasted vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes to complete the meal.
- For a lighter option, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- To achieve a crispier exterior, pan-sear the salmon briefly before baking.
